Click on the icons above to learn how Global Brigades is involved in holistic development in this community.
Fast Facts
| Population* | 700 |
| Number of Homes | 70 |
| Primary Occupation |
Coal mining, resin production, harvesting of sugar cane |
| Electricity | No |
| Nearest Health Center | 12km |
| Community Health Workers | Yes |
| Water System | Yes |
| Community Bank | No |
| Homes with Latrines | 29% |
| Distance from Compounds | 1 hour |
* Population does not reflect how many patients will be seen on medical
brigades as many people from surrounding communities come seeking
medical attention during brigades.
Top Three Needs Expressed: Better water system, construction of latrines, home repairs.
Geography
Municipality: Ojojona
Department: Francisco Morazán
GPS Coordinates: N 13°57.077' W 87°25.810'
Education
Preschool education is provided to 20 children in a one-room building. Elementary classes through 6th grade are given to 100 students at Colegio José Trinidad Reyes in a two-room building.
Medical Program in La Cienega
The chief health concerns of the community are tropical diseases (e.g., chikungunya, zika), flu, high blood pressure, diabetes, and frequent nausea. La Cienega has the support of one Community Health Worker, Martha Elena Rodasy Elvin Rodas. She is trained in the Centro de Salud de la Guadalupe in the town of Reitaca, about 12km away. In her role as a Community Health Worker, Martha provides basic medical attention to community members so that they don't have to travel to the health center for care. She will also have the task of following up with chronic patients (e.g., patients with diabetes or hypertension).
By running a Medical Brigade in La Cienega, we also hope to reach members of the neighboring communities of Quebrachas, San Francisco, Potreritos, and Saracarán with medical care.
To understand more about how Global Brigades can partner with this community to make an impact, read about what it's like to experience a Medical Brigade.
Dental Program in La Cienega
In working closely with the medical program, the dental program provides fillings, extractions, and fluoride treatments as a standard part of medical brigades. Most community members do not have regular access to dental care due to the lack of dentist within a reasonable distance.
To understand more about how Global Brigades can partner with this community to make an impact, read about what it's like to experience a Dental Brigade.
Engineering Program in La Cienega
The engineering program works in conjunction with the water program to ensure water projects are maintained and economically sustainable. Because the existing water system in La Cienega does not meet the needs of the community, Engineering Brigades can make an impact by completing an analysis of the system and possibilities for its expansion.
To understand more about how Global Brigades can partner with this community to make an impact, read about what it's like to experience an Engineering Brigade.
Water Program in La Cienega
The current water system only serves 50% of the population in La Cienega. In order to expand the system to reach more homes, community members have identified another possible water source. Because this source is on private property, more work is needed to determine whether it can be used to benefit the entire community.
To understand more about the importance of a functioning water system and how Global Brigades can help, read about what it's like to experience a Water Brigade.
Public Health Program in La Cienega
The homes in La Cienega are in great need of improved public health infrastructure. None of the homes have a place to shower, concrete floors, or pilas. Only 20 of the homes have a latrine, which means the majority of the population does not have a sanitary place to use the restroom. 30 homes have an eco-stove, while 40 homes still use a traditional stove.
To understand more about the importance of these public health projects and how Global Brigades can help, read about what it's like to experience a Public Health Brigade.
Community Health Workers
La Cienega has the support of one Community Health Worker, Martha Elena Rodasy Elvin Rodas. She is trained in the Centro de Salud de la Guadalupe in the town of Reitaca, about 12km away. In her role as a Community Health Worker, Martha provides basic medical attention to community members so that they don't have to travel to the health center for care. She will also have the task of following up with chronic patients (e.g., patients with diabetes or hypertension).
Business Program in La Cienega
While La Cienega does not have an established caja rural (a community bank run by residents), there is a cooperative named Los Pinos that provides access to savings and loans. 140 community members participate in the co-op which is still in the process of seeking legal recognition. The co-op is centered around coal mining and the production of resin.
To understand more about the how Global Brigades supports the growth of economic capacity of community members, read about what it's like to experience a Business Brigade.